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The West Coast is taking the lead, one irresistible pastry at a time.
Food & Wine’s 2026 roundup of America’s best pastry cities crowns Los Angeles as the champion, highlighting a scene that rises above the rest.
BadAsh Bakes in Pasadena steals the spotlight, known for its crave-worthy, often sold-out cinnamon rolls in flavors like matcha, as well as its thin, crispy-edged cookies.
Following its April 2025 opening, the bakery gained massive popularity on TikTok and Instagram.
Salted Butter Company, Fondry, Petitgrain Boulangerie, and Quarter Sheets also received honorable mentions.
Together, they show what makes Los Angeles stand out: range. Classic technique sits alongside more experimental flavors, creating pastries that are both artful and inviting.
San Francisco also lands on the list, earning recognition for its own deeply rooted pastry culture and attention to craft. Among the bakeries named: Arsicault Bakery, B. Patisserie, and Loquat.
While Los Angeles takes the top spot, San Francisco holds its ground in fifth place with a scene built on consistency and attention to detail.
Elsewhere, cities like New York, Chicago, Austin, Miami, Boston, Charleston, Washington, D.C., and Detroit also made the list.
The takeaway is simple: when it comes to must-try pastries right now, California isn’t just in the mix—it’s setting the pace.
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